Flu treatment also open run... Is there an IV that finishes in 30 minutes for a 5-day medication?

Worker A (35) visited the hospital due to severe sore throat, cough, and muscle aches, and was diagnosed with type A influenza. The doctor suggested two treatment options: oral Tamiflu and influenza IV fluid injection. The oral medication is relatively cheaper as a covered benefit, but it requires taking the medication diligently for five days to prevent resistant bacteria. On the other hand, the influenza IV fluid injection is an uncovered benefit costing around 100,000 won, but it completes the treatment in one session. After much consideration, Mr. A chose the oral medication but ultimately switched to the IV fluid injection due to nausea. What are the differences between these two treatments? Learn everything about influenza.

◇Flu cases reach a five-year high... leading to hospital run-ins

Recently, hospitals are overwhelmed with flu patients. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the number of patients showing influenza-like symptoms per 1,000 outpatients over the past five years was 10.1 in 2018, 8.2 in 2019, 3.3 in 2020, 4.0 in 2021, and 13.2 last year, with this year's patient numbers being three times higher than the same period last year. In fact, it is not difficult to find reviews indicating that people are rushing to hospitals for flu treatment.

Influenza is an acute viral disease. If not properly treated, it can lead to complications such as pneumonia. It manifests through various symptoms including cough, sneezing, runny nose, chills, high fever, headache, and abdominal pain. Typically, there is an incubation period of about 2 to 3 days after viral infection. Influenza is broadly classified into types A, B, C, and D, among which type A virus causes the most severe symptoms in humans. There have been no reported cases of infection in humans from types B and D. Type C is less common than types A and B and can cause regional outbreaks. However, it tends to cause relatively mild symptoms in children. The most concerning is type A influenza.

◇Tamiflu vs. Teramiflu… The difference between taking it for 5 days or finishing it in one dose

Once flu symptoms appear, it is necessary to visit a hospital for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. This is because antiviral medications need to be used within 48 hours of symptom onset to help alleviate symptoms. The flu can be accurately diagnosed through PCR or antigen tests, similar to COVID-19. For healthy individuals, most recover completely within 3 to 5 days with appropriate treatment. There are mainly two treatment methods: taking an antiviral drug called Tamiflu for about five days or receiving a flu IV injection called Teramiflu, which is administered as a single intravenous injection for approximately 30 minutes.

◇ Sufficient rest is absolutely essential; thorough personal hygiene is crucial for prevention.

If you catch the flu, you should rest to strengthen your immune system in addition to treatment. It is also good to drink plenty of fluids. When your body has enough moisture, it helps to facilitate the expulsion of phlegm and aids in the recovery of the respiratory system. Maintaining indoor air that is warm and not dry is also important. Cold and dry air negatively affects the airways. Hanging a wet towel indoors is a good method. If you experience a high fever and pain, take antipyretic and analgesic medications according to your doctor's instructions.

The best way to prevent the flu is through prevention. Developing a habit of washing hands and maintaining a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein, while also focusing on low sugar, low salt, and low fat intake, is also a good approach.

<Source: Health Chosun>